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Whenever something closes, it’s fun to list new, dream business that might replace it. I had to wish for tacos for a long time before El Camino arrived in the former Avalon space. When Fleur de Lis Café closed, the last thing we imagined for the space next to Cumberland Brewery was a craft beer bar. When River City Draft House opened, we were skeptical about its future. But it seems we really wanted a craft beer place next to a brewery, and we didn’t even know it.

Before our friends moved, Drafthouse was the perfect in-between meeting spot for a beer (it’s still a perfect meeting spot, they just have to travel a bit farther now). This is another business whose name showed up a lot on my bank statements for a while. Like this winter, when we spent several Sunday afternoons there, drinking beer and reading the paper.

Of course, the location plays a part in my love for Drafthouse. Like most of my list, it’s within walking distance of our apartment, so getting a beer there also means some exercise. Then, after a beer or two, if I feel snack-y, they have wings with a variety of sauces, or that giant pretzel. And Za’s is always across the street if the belly demands something different.

Other things I love about River City Drafthouse — the staff are friendly and recognize us. There are games, so you can test your Jenga skills. The beer list is straightforward, and I’ve never picked a beer I didn’t like there (somehow, the more information a place offers about their beer selection, the more often I end up with something in complete defiance to my taste). They have some outdoor seating.

During our visit to Cambridge, we had time to try Bukowski Tavern. I’ll need a few more visits before I can offer an informed review, but I don’t think that will be a problem. It’s half a mile from our new apartment.